Common name: Truffle beetle
Scientific name: Leiodes cinnamomea
Order: Coleoptera
Affects: Mushroom crops
Main season: Spring, summer and autumn
Leiodes cinnamomea also known as the truffle beetle, is a pest belonging to the Coleoptera family that affects truffle crops. It appears in areas where this fungus is cultivated, such as Europe and some regions of America. Adults of this species bore into truffles and feed on them, causing significant damage and reducing the quality and commercial value of the product. In addition, the larvae develop inside the truffles, accelerating decomposition and rendering them unsuitable for sale.
Its life cycle is usually annual with a single generation per year. Like other beetles, it goes through egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. The eggs are laid in the soil, near the truffles, as the larvae need direct access to this fungus for feeding and initial development. They are small, measuring approximately 0.3-0.5 mm in length, oval and white or light yellow in colour, which allows them to go unnoticed in the soil.
The larvae have a cylindrical, flexible and slightly curved body, which makes it easy for them to move around inside the truffles. When they first hatch, they are about 1-2 mm long, but can grow to up to 5 mm at the end of their development. They are whitish or cream-coloured at first, becoming more yellowish as they mature. By tearing its tissue with their jaws, they cause damage to the truffle.
The pupa is an static phase. At this stage, the insect does not feed and remains inactive while it develops. It is cream or light brown in colour and oval in shape, but already shows the rudiments of the adult structures. The pupa is often found inside a capsule made in the soil or in organic material near the truffles to protect itself during metamorphosis.
When fully grown, this beetle measures between 3 and 5 mm in length and is brown to cinnamon in colour, which helps it to blend in with the ground and truffles. Its body is compact and oval in shape, allowing it to move around easily between vegetation and the ground. The head is small in proportion to the body and has dark eyes, which are relatively large for its size. The antennae are short, club-shaped, and adapted to detect chemical signals, such as pheromones and possibly volatile compounds in truffles. Similar to the larva, it has strong jaws capable of piercing the surface of truffles and other organic materials in the soil.
Leiodes cinnamomea poses a significant threat to truffle producers due to the damage it causes:
Direct damage to truffles. Adults bore into the truffle surface while the larvae feed on their tissue. This causes accelerated decomposition of the fungus and can create entry points for other pathogens.
Changes in aroma. By accelerating internal decomposition, alterations in aroma quality may occur
Texture modification. By destroying the interior of the truffles, the larvae cause the texture to become soft and less consistent.
Economic losses. Quantity and quality reduction of truffles for market purposes directly affects producers’ income.
30 to 80 traps per hectare are recommended to be set depending on the population of Leiodes cinnamomea observed during the previous season.
Traps should be set in September and attractants can be replaced after 3 months.
They seek soils with relatively high moisture levels, as both truffles and Leiodes cinnamomea larvae need moisture to develop, and well-aerated soils because these allow truffles to grow and adults to move around.
They prefer temperate climates.
Mature truffles emit a higher concentration of volatile compounds, intensifying their aroma, which attracts a greater number of individuals of the pest.
The low species diversity allows Leiodes cinnamomea to reproduce without significant restrictions. Some arthropods and small vertebrates in the soil can help control the pest population.
The ECONEX LEIODES 90 DAYS 1 UNIT sexual pheromone diffuser attracts males of the Leiodes cinnamomea. It has a field life of 90 days. It is recommended to place the diffuser inside an EOSTRAP® LEIODES (with slider).
EOSTRAP® LEIODES (with slider) is a trap specifically designed to capture Leiodes cinnamomea. It is made of a UV-resistant plastic polymer.
Insects can enter the trap through the four perpendicular holes, each 16 mm in diameter. The orange trap lid prevents rainwater from entering and has a plastic support for hanging the diffuser if required.
The opening system is operated by a small twist that allows the tabs on the base and lid to fit together perfectly. The inside of the base is covered with a sliding surface that prevents insects from escaping from the trap.
ECONEX LEIODES 90 DAYS 1 UNIT
Food attractant diffuser for male and female biocontrol of Leiodes cennamomea, with an in-field duration of 90 days.
Code: UIPHOVA545
EOSTRAP® LEIODES (with slider)
Trap specifically designed to capture Leiodes cinnamomea.
Code: UIPFETA366
ECONEX LEIODES 90 DAYS 1 UNIT should be stored in its original packaging, in the refrigerator at 4ºC, or preferably in the freezer at -18ºC, in which case it remains effective for 90 and 50 days respectively. Keep away from food and drinks.
EOSTRAP® LEIODES (with slider) should be stored in its original packaging, in a dry space and out of direct sunlight. Keep away from food and drinks. It has an average lifespan of 6-7 years in the field.
ECONEX LEIODES 90 DAYS 1 UNIT
Corrugated cardboard box with 150 units (15 packs of 10 units)
Box dimensions: 0,24 x 0,32 x 0,22 m (width x length x height)
Box weight: 2,10 kg
Includes an explanatory leaflet about the usage of the product
Box wit 150 units.
(15 packaging x 10 units)
EOSTRAP® LEIODES (with slider)
Corrugated cardboard box with 30 units
Box dimensions: 0,60 x 0,40 x 0,35 m (width x length x height)
Box weight: 5,50 kg.
Box with 30 units.
LEAFLET ECONEX LEIODES
Leaflet in PDF format that can be downloaded by clicking on the image.
ECONEX LEARNING CENTER
ECONEX puts at your disposal the first open knowledge center that brings together everything necessary to implement pest biocontrol in your crops. We have developed different types of resources to share with you the knowledge we have acquired during our more than 40 years of experience. Each of them is designed to respond, in the best possible way, to different questions related to pheromones, attractants, repellents and insect traps.
To access ECONEX LEARNING CENTER click on the image.
SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. only guarantees the composition, formulation and content of the products, taking responsibility for the direct, immediate and exclusive damages caused in the composition, formulation and content of the products sold. SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. will not be held responsible for damages produced by factors beyond the company’s control that have either totally or partially contributed. For instance, the weather conditions, usage or mixing with other products, amongst others. In addition, SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. will provide recommendations and information supported by extensive and meticulous research and tests; which must be taken into account by the customer when using the products. The customer will be responsible for any damage caused, in whole or in part, for the total or partial non-observance of the instructions provided. Furthermore, the customer will be responsible for all that is referred to as the performance of the products; which comes from total or partial non-observance of the instructions and information provided by the company.